Soccer News of Friday, 23 May 2025
Source: www.dailypost.com
Present and past Real Madrid players have paid tributes to midfielder, Luka Modric as he is all set to leave the club this summer.
Modric had already revealed he will leave Real Madrid after the end of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign this summer.
The Real Madrid captain will play his last match at Santiago Bernabeu when the Los Blancos welcome Real Sociedad on Saturday in their final La Liga game of the season.
The 39-year-old Croatia midfielder had on Thursday announced via his Instagram that he will leave Madrid.
“The moment has arrived. The moment I never wanted to come, but that’s football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end,” Modric said on Instagram.
“I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the jersey of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn’t have imagined what came next,” he said.
Reacting, both current and past Real Madrid players paid tributes to the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner on Instagram.
Here are the reactions gathered by DAILY POST:
Cristiano Ronaldo: “Thanks for everything, Luka! It’s an honor to share so many moments with you at the club. Wishing you success in whatever comes next.”
Karim Benzema: “Thank you, thank you very much what a player No10 forever.”
Jude Bellingham: “The only thing outweighing my sadness right now is the gratitude I feel for having had the honour of being your teammate.
“So many great memories on and off the pitch that I will treasure forever.
“Your magic was never a surprise and there’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said about your incredible achievements but your humility, openness and the time you took for every single person in any circumstance has blown me away, you’re a constant reminder of everything that is beautiful about football.
“Brate, from the bottom of my heart thank you for every pass (whether it was with the inside or outside), every dribble, every nutmeg and every shot but more meaningful to me every chat, every hug, every dinner and every piece of wisdom and advice that you gave.
“Good luck with whatever comes next for you and your family. Madridistas, let’s break the roof off the Bernabeu with the tributes on Saturday for our Captain,” he said.
Vinicius: “It’s so difficult to say goodbye, Luka. We spent years sharing a dressing room with a legend.
“His history in Madrid is incomparable: 13 seasons, 28 titles, and all written with elegance, talent and humility that taught me more than a thousand words.
“Thank you for every advice, for your way of playing and also for your way of being. Your football was art.
“Your treatment with me, a gift. I learned by observing your passes with the outside (A LA LUKA MODRIC) but above all I learned from your daily generosity.
“I’m going to miss you. Thank you for everything, Master. I love you very much,” he said.
Arda Güler: “Luka abi, everything you did in this jersey wrote a story that inspires the dreams of everyone who loves football. You are a living legend.
“It was an honor to play alongside you and learn from you. Getting your advice about the game and life, witnessing your passion, ambition, and character was truly incredible.
“Good luck to you and your beautiful family for what’s next. I love you and I’ll miss being with you on the pitch.
“Following in your footsteps is a responsibility I’ll carry with pride and honor. Thank you for everything big brate,” he said.
Sergio Ramos: “Says goodbye to Real Madrid, a genius, a friend, a brother who has made football an art. One of those players for which Madrid fills the stadium and the world stands in front of the screen in every game.
“An extraordinary player for his football and human quality, one of those people I am proud to be able to call a friend.
“The Bernabéu spotlights will not be turned on again to see you on the green, but Real Madrid’s history books will always have you next to the greatest.
“Brother, we Madrid fans have only one word to dedicate to you: THANK YOU. All the best in the next chapter. I’m sure we’ll live it closely. The Churu who loves you very much, my Lukita @lukamodric10,” he said.
David Alaba: “Brate!! Luka Modrić ‘Magic’ One of the greatest to ever do it.
“It’s been an absolute honour to share the pitch with you these past four seasons – what a privilege to call you a teammate and even more, a brother.
“We’ve created memories that will stay with me forever – from unforgettable nights in the Champions League to lifting trophies in front of our fans.
“You always showed up when it mattered most, with your class, calm, and that signature bit of magic that only you can deliver.
“But beyond the football, it’s who you are as a person that stands out the most. Humble, genuine, a true leader and inspiration to all of us.
“You brought joy and wisdom into the dressing room every single day. You will be deeply missed, Legend,” he said.
Marcelo: “My dear Luka…Today is one of those days when my heart aches.
“My brother, my partner in so many battles, says goodbye to the club that was our home for more than ten years.
“Luka, we have shared more than games. We shared dreams, triumphs, defeats, laughter, and silences.
“You were much more than a teammate: you were and will always be a LEGEND.
“Your talent, your humility, your way of living football and life… are pure inspiration. It’s hard to imagine the locker room without you, the field without your impossible passes, without your silent but gigantic dedication.
“Thank you for every moment, every conversation, every knowing look during the games. Thank you for teaching me so much, on and off the field.
“In 13 years you have made history at the best club in the world, but not only Madrid fans love you, the entire world acclaims you.
“I love you, brother. This isn’t goodbye, it’s just see you later. And as always, I’ll be here, supporting you every step of the way,” he said.
Raúl Asencio: “Thank you for so much, Luka. For your football, for your example on and off the field, for your humility, and for showing us every day what it means to wear this shirt.
“Your story at Real Madrid is eternal. We’re going to miss you so much, legend,” he said.
Antonio Rüdiger: “Thank you brate. It was a huge honour to play alongside you! What a world class career and what a great character! One of the best midfielders that the world of football has ever seen.
“I will definitely miss you – not just on the pitch also as a friend. Thank you to our big, big legend,” he said.
Mesut Ozil: ” From sharing the pitch to watching you control the game with such intelligence and elegance it was always something special, Luka.
“Calm, classy, and always one step ahead. You’re closing a great chapter, but the way you played will always be remembered.
“Wishing you peace, joy, and all the best for what comes next. @lukamodric10,” he said.
Toni Kroos: “Nothing but love partner. What a ride my friend.”
Kylian Mbappe: “Brate, I was lucky enough to be able to play and share the locker room with you this season.
“I saw closer what GREATNESS really means… Before to be one of the best players of all time, you are a wonderful person.
“You wrote the history of the best club in the world for more than a decade and won everything.
“But you won something that have no price: the respect and the admiration of the world. Thank you for everything LEGEND,” he said.
Eduardo Camavinga: “A legend of the game, and a true role model.
“Luka, it’s been a privilege to share the pitch with you, to learn from you, and to witness your greatness up close.
“Just to think you are not going to be in this dressing room make me already really sad. We will miss you a lot, you are the joy of life.
“I really appreciate the moment I had with you on and off the pitch. I’m sad to think that l’ve maybe already played my last game with you but I will do everything to enjoy the last moments with you on the pitch.
“Your legacy at Real Madrid will live forever. Thank you for everything — for your guidance, your friendship, and your magic.
“We will miss you and I forgot to say I will miss hearing all of your phone conversations,” he said.
Fede Valverde: “I learned perseverance from you. To wait for the moment, the humility and how great a person can become speaking in the field.
“Grateful to have played alongside you for seven years. Grateful to be contemporary to your goals, to your three-finger passes, which we will miss.
“Grateful to have been a small part of your story but thank you for being a big part of mine,” he said.
Nacho: “My Lukita…Admiration and respect for an exemplary person and athlete.
“Your magic on the field is the same magic you spread to all of us who admire you… what a joy it is to have you in my life, your name is on the Real Madrid crest,” he said.
Rodrygo: “Papa today is a very sad day for me and Madridistas, knowing that soon we will no longer have you on the pitch, with the #10.
“It’s hard to put into words how much you mean to me since joining this club.
“I learned from you on and off the field. Your class, leadership and grit marked me forever.
“Thank you for every step, advice and help.
“It was a dream to share all these years by your side. Enjoy this new stage, LEGEND! I love you,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Modric won 28 trophies, including six Champions Leagues and four domestic titles, since joining Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.